The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nationwide rain alert, forecasting heavy to extreme rainfall for multiple states. The forecast is driven by a new low-pressure area forming over the northwest Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify into a depression. This weather system will bring widespread rain and presents potential risks of landslides, flooding, and waterlogging.
State-by-State Breakdown
• Red Alert: A red alert has been issued for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, where intense rainfall of over 20 cm in a 24-hour period is possible. In the Western Himalayan Region, this poses a high risk of landslides and travel disruptions. Travelers are advised to avoid these areas for now.
• Orange Alert: An orange alert is in effect for Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, West Rajasthan, Telangana, and parts of Maharashtra, including Goa and Coastal Andhra Pradesh. These regions are expected to see heavy to very heavy rainfall, with potential waterlogging in low-lying areas.
• Eastern and Southern India: Heavy rainfall is likely in eastern and southern states, including coastal Andhra Pradesh, south Chhattisgarh, south Odisha, Telangana, and south interior Karnataka.
• Konkan, Goa, and Coastal Karnataka: These regions are expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall over the next few days.
• Northeast India: States like Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh are forecast to have ongoing rainfall with thunderstorms throughout the week.
Travel Advisory
The IMD advises against non-emergency travel to affected regions, especially the hilly areas under a red alert, due to the high risk of landslides and transportation disruptions. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have warned that the heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods and rising river levels.